We Are All Witches

Overview

Weaving fiction with the facts where these are known, We Are All Witches invites the reader to explore the forces at work in one of the darkest episodes of Scotland's history and consider their echoes in the present day.

From 1563 to 1736 Scotland put thousands of women to death for witchcraft. Their supposed crimes have much to tell us about attitudes to women in the past, and in the present day. This book introduces sixteen women who lost their lives or lived in the long shadow of the persecutions.

"Witches" who, like MARGARET AITKEN, confessed, implicated others, even aided the hunters before they were burned. Nonconforming women like MARY MACLEOD, who saw their reputations tarnished when they did not bend to society's expectations. Creatures of the imagination, like Robert Burns's NANNY, who embody deep-seated associations between womanhood and the occult.

As stories of suspected witches, healers and those reveling in the power of magic are told, we imagine the lives of these women, not as unlucky victims but instead fascinating individuals whose experiences have previously been omitted from Scotland's colorful history now challenging the status quo. As we journey through 16 short stories of women involved in the supernatural, folklore and healing, we find reflections in modern life and lessons on everything from gender politics in the workplace and reproductive rights to ableism during the Covid 19 pandemic.

We Are All Witches reinvigorates women from the past and encourages us to find our own inner sorcerer.

Reviews

"Kidd has imagined lively and convincing voices from the past to commemorate the lost lives of Scotland’s witches.” – Sara Sheridan, author of The Fair Botanists

“This clever and compelling book brings the victims of the witch hunts into sharp focus. This book is a must for anyone interested in this horrifying time in Scotland’s history.” – Zoe Venditozzi, Witches of Scotland campaign

"A compelling, moving book that invites the reader to consider not only the background to the Scottish witch trials and the mythology surrounding witches, but also the lives of those affected.” – Elizabeth Lee, author of Cunning Women

“A beautiful and important book that gives a voice to so many women across Scotland. Màiri’s stories have moved and inspired us, and this book is a true gem.” – Heal & Harrow

Author Biography

Mairi Kidd is a former Head of Literature, Languages and Publishing at Creative Scotland. She was previously Managing Director of Barrington Stoke, a prize-winning publisher. A fluent Gaelic speaker, she has an MA in Celtic Studies from Edinburgh University. As CEO of Storlann, the National Gaelic Education Resource Agency, she worked with Scottish Government, Bord na Gaidhlig and local authorities. Mairi is a contributor to BBC Radio nan Gaidheal's books coverage and writes for broadcast, including Gaelic comedy series FUNC.